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KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

Whack the throttle wide open in the middle of a nasty corner. Brake hard while fully leant over. No harm is done - just grin and rocket on. Even when you’re bending the laws of physics, KTM’s combination of 160 hp, 140 Nm of torque and a mere 238 kg is kept in check by the most advanced electronics in the world of motorcycling. All you have to do is focus on the road ahead - and hold on tight. But the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S offers buttery smooth cruising as well, if that’s what you really want…

Lead the way

Chassis

Stability and control are the foundations of riding fun. With its ultra-lightweight tubular trellis frame, a high strength, die-cast, open-lattice swingarm and top quality components from WP Suspension, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S will cement a grin on your face. Keeping asphalt lovers in mind, the 1290 S is fitted with a 19-inch wheel up front; 17-inch at the rear. Quality tires and proper suspension travel push its cornering skills to the next level and brakes from world-renowned market leader Brembo, coupled with assistance systems (MSC with MTC and lean-sensitive C-ABS) developed in close collaboration with Bosch, round off the package. Safe. Fun. Fast. Everywhere.

Tires

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S gets a set of extremely grippy and durable Pirelli Scorpion Trail II’s sized at 120/70 ZR 19 and 170/60 ZR 17. They are the perfect wingmen for this corner stormer.

Cast wheels

Tubeless allroad tires fitted on alloy rims, manufactured in a low-pressure die casting process. Not only do these featherweight wheels make the bike lighter overall, they also minimize the unsprung masses and moment of inertia, with a positive impact on handling and ride dynamics.

Power-to-weight ratio

The combination of lightweight chassis engineering and a compact but powerful engine take the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S to the top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio and ride dynamics. This fully equipped adventure bike tips the scale at 238 kg, while carrying a substantial 23 liters of fuel. This makes the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S – in typical KTM style – one of the lightest motorcycles in its segment. Add an outstanding geometry, well-balanced stiffness distribution and high quality suspension components and you end up with a bike that’s ready for anything. This also boosts safety, since it is far easier to fling a nimble motorcycle around a source of danger than a heavy one.

Frame

The chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame makes a major contribution to the bike’s excellent chassis geometry. It’s a rugged, laser-cut, robot-welded thing of beauty with a glorious surface finish. And at only 9.8 kg, it helps to keep the total, unfueled weight at a spectacular 215 kg. All muscle, zero fat.

Semi-active suspension

The innovative WP semi-active suspension system introduces a new level of focus and safety in motorcycle riding. The rider can select four spectrums of use: ‘Comfort’, ‘Street’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Offroad’ while the SCU (Suspension Control Unit) adapts the damping rates in real-time to the riding surface and rider, based on the information provided by a set of stroke sensors and accelerometers. In addition, the spring preload of the rear suspension can be set to four pre-defined settings (solo, solo with luggage, two-up and two-up with luggage) – providing the perfect geometry in all situations. The result: road-hugging handling all the way.

Swingarm

The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is not only particularly light, it's also precisely manufactured. The design has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics.

Brakes

Precise. Powerful. Stunning. Just as you would expect from a set of Brembo brakes. Up front you’ll find twin 320 mm discs, radially mounted, 4-piston fixed calipers and a radial master cylinder. At the rear, excess speed is taken care of by a generously dimensioned 267 mm disc. And in case of an emergency, Bosch’s two-channel 9ME C-ABS speeds to the rescue.

Steering damper

With so much propulsive power, the front wheel can become very light, which can lead to unpleasant kick-back on uneven roads. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S prevents this with a subtle WP steering damper that will be there when you need it.

State-of-the-art safety

MSC with C-ABS (Combined ABS) and Offroad mode

The ultimate in safe deceleration: one component of the comprehensive Bosch MSC assistance package is the world's first lean-sensitive cornering ABS. Based on the high-quality 9ME modulator, it unites the talents of combined braking and lightning-quick, efficient pressure modulation with the high quality Brembo hardware to make the most advanced braking system on the market - no-one brakes more progressively or safely, even at extreme lean angles. When the front brake lever is actuated, the rear brake is applied simultaneously to optimize stability. If required, not only can it be switched off, but also placed in Offroad mode. This allows the rider to block the rear wheel when required - a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides. The ABS function remains active on the front wheel, even in this mode.

MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control)

The Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), a lean-sensitive traction control system, reacts immediately if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the riding situation. In a matter of milliseconds, MTC reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention at the throttle valves, until the system has reduced slippage to optimum proportions for the selected ride mode and current angle of lean. Depending on that mode, MTC allows four different levels of traction slip at the rear wheel. ‘Sport’ is game for a perceptible amount of slippage, ‘Street’ keeps things smooth for comfortable, controllable riding with full engine power, ‘Rain’ is all about early intervention and maximum grip in the wet and ‘Offroad’ allows up to 100% of slippage - i.e. double the wheel speed - for ambitious offroad use.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

As its name implies, the TPMS monitors tire pressure (visible in the display) and warns the rider in the event of pressure loss, for example due to tire damage.

Tremendous value

Stamina

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is not only light, powerful and dependable; thanks to low fuel consumption, a 23-liter fuel tank and 15,000 km service intervals it also hardly ever needs to take a break.

Fit for anything

The benchmark

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S sets new performance standards: 160 hp and a weight of only 238 kg (ready to ride - fully fueled) produce a power-to-weight ratio previously unheard of in this class. The dynamics are stunning. At the same time, the powerful yet cultivated engine enables either particularly relaxed riding or, if required, super-sporty propulsion – with every conceivable level in between. The chassis combines lightness with outstanding geometry and suspension, which, together with every electronic riding aid we could muster, allow undreamed of riding pleasure in all conditions, at whatever speed you desire. From very relaxed to very, very fast.

At home on any road

Laid-back touring? No problem. Scorching up and down the backroads? Yes, please. Feel free to throw in a stretch of dirt on the way. This extremely wide application range is made possible by the ground-breaking electronics package featuring Bosch MSC. And what’s particularly impressive is that the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S’ different guises result in virtually no perceptible compromises. When you ride relaxed, the bike follows suit. There is no overly sharp responsiveness or a taut chassis setup. But if you do want to turn up the wick, you won’t find yourself riding a rocking horse either. The bike’s many riding modes seamlessly fit to wherever you might find yourself. Whether that’s an alpine pass, a bone-shaking track, winding curves or simply the urban jungle, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the ultimate Travel Enduro for adventures on all the world’s roads. Even if they happen to lead you to a racetrack.

Ergonomics

At KTM, individualists are welcome. The bike’s ergonomics can be adjusted to suit the preferences and stature of any rider, wherever they may roam: Two handlebar clamping positions: horizontal +/- 10 mm, Two footpeg positions: 10 mm up and back (diagonally), Hand levers with 5 reach settings

Seat

This is where you’ll - hopefully - spend a lot of time, so the seat has to provide support, feedback and freedom of movement. Thanks to KTM’s state-of-the-art 3D foam padding, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S has your back. No matter if you ride it to the local shops or the ones across the Alps, both rider and passenger will get there in comfort.

Adjustable windshield

The windshield’s height can be changed as quickly as you can change your mind, thanks to the easily operated self-locking winder.

Mutlifunctional LED headlight

Form and function are integrated beautifully in this bike’s design. Take the headlight, for example. The central aluminum part holds the LEDs and keeps the unit cool. It is flanked by two more LED strips: the daytime running lights. Another set of LED cornering lights round things off at the bottom. They use the lean angle sensor of the MSC system to adjust their intensity in real-time. Unlit corners? A thing of the past. With a KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, the future is bright.

RACE ON

Forget about ignition keys and mechanically locked fuel caps. All you need is the transponder in your pocket.

Travel pack

Quickshifter +

Upon your request, the SUPER ADVENTURE S can be equipped with a quickshifter + that allows slick, clutchless up- and downshifts under any load. It reads and responds to your riding, so the shift action is fast when you are, but buttery smooth at half-throttle.

MSR (Motor Slip Regulation)

The optionally available Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) works in the opposite direction of the MTC. If, due to quick downshifts or abrupt throttle chopping, the engine drag torque is too high, the ride-by-wire system opens the throttle exactly as much as is needed to prevent the rear wheel from drifting. With the help of MSC, this system is also lean-angle sensitive. Safety first, but the pleasure that comes with it is always a very close second at KTM.

HHC (Hill Hold Control)

The optional Hill Hold Control (HHC) prevents the motorcycle from accidentally rolling backwards. It identifies if the bike is on a slope and at a standstill. After the rider has released the brake, the function automatically keeps the brakes applied until you are moving forward. In short: a smooth take-off, time and time again.

KTM MY RIDE

Your smartphone can be tethered to the bike via Bluetooth, giving you full control over incoming calls and an audio player. All the information pops up on the bike´s display and you manage this optional extra with the mode switch, keeping your hands where they belong. On the handlebar.

The heart of a champion

Engine

Based on the 1,301cc V-twin of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, aka “The Beast”, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is clearly the Alpha in its segment. The engineers adapted the cylinders to a newly developed cylinder head and crankshaft to give this bike a powerplant that perfectly fits its sovereign appearance. It packs one hell of a punch for fully loaded tours, has truckloads of torque from the bottom up and hardly ever needs hurried downshifts. Therefore, the 1290 S is equally happy cruising around town as it is giving Superbikes a run for their money when the chips are down. With 160 hp and 140 Nm of torque on tap, of which 108 Nm is already available at 2,500 rpm, we wouldn’t bet against it.

Smooth sailing

A spread transmission on the primary wheel transfers the power to the clutch basket without any backlash, which eliminates vibration and reduces engine noise. On the intake sides there is a newly developed resonator chamber, designed to polish the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpms. This substantially increases the smoothness of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S power train.

Ride-by-wire

At KTM, ride-by-wire is more than simply the absence of a throttle cable. It’s the guarantee of a smooth throttle response. Our system ensures perfect application of the readily available and plentiful torque. It also electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into throttle valve positions perfectly suited to the riding conditions. The RBW system is fully compliant with the strict DIN 26262 safety standard from the automobile sector.

Cruise control

KTM’s cruise control, a standard feature on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, laughs at long motorway journeys. Switches on the left side of the handlebar and a display in the TFT dashboard allow the rider to intuitively set and change the requested speed, so you’ll arrive at the fun bits with energy to spare.

Slipper clutch

Not only does the slipper clutch open when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The former prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating; the latter reduces the lever force required for changing gear, allowing the clutch to be controlled with just one trigger happy finger.

Overdrive

The sixth gear serves as a long overdrive in the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S’ well-spaced gearbox. This saves fuel and adds to your cruising comfort.

Cylinder heads

A key element in the flawless power delivery of the 75° V-twin is each cylinder’s state-of-the-art 4-valve cylinder head. These combine twin plug ignition, flow-optimized ports and a slick low-friction valve train with cams from each cylinder’s twin overhead camshafts driving DLC-coated cam followers.

Twin ignition

The twin plug ignition system controls the two differently sized spark plugs in each cylinder head independently of each other in order to optimize combustion. The result: more (and more controlled) power, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. That’s nice for everyone.

Pistons

The forged piston structure on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, borrowed from Formula 1 technology, results in a high loading capacity despite its extremely short and lightweight design. Although they have grown in diameter by three millimeters compared to those of the KTM 1190 ADVENTURE, the pistons on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S are a whole 47 grams lighter. This way, reciprocating weight is minimized, thereby maximizing the responsiveness and frivolous nature of the engine. The piston skirts have an additional state-of-the-art, Grafal® finish. Not only does this even further reduce friction, it is also particularly hard-wearing.

Long service intervals

A unique mix of the highest quality components combined with a fully developed and reliable engine allows extremely long service intervals of 15,000 km. That’s a lot of adventures.

Crankshaft

The responsiveness and free-revving nature of the engine are also enhanced by the very low reciprocating weight of its crankshaft. Moreover, the flow-optimized shape of the crank webs boosts the particularly low-loss running of the crank drive.

All systems go

Dashboard

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S supplies its rider with all necessary and desirable information on a state-of-the-art, clearly arranged 6.5” TFT display. Even in direct sunlight, core data is displayed clear and crisp thanks to its bonded, anti-glare surface made of a strong sheet of glass. But don’t worry about spots or smears; the anti-fingerprint coating has this covered. The screen also automatically adapts to ambient light levels and its angle is adjustable, so you won’t miss one bit of information. On top of the obvious data (speed, revs, fuel level etc.), the computer can show a favorites menu with up to 8 adjustable features, an MSC ride modes overview and a riding conditions page (outside/oil temperature, onboard voltage, various trips, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, range and the distance to your next service). Crystal clear and easy to operate, even when you’re in a hurry.

Menu switch

Different modes for the various rider aids can be selected using an illuminated menu switch on the left side of the handlebar. It's very simple and intuitive: "up" and "down" through the menu selection, select the desired menu item with the left button, confirm it with the right. Child’s play, basically. And you can make it even easier by personalizing your settings pages with two quick-select menus.

Floating case carrier

Certified at speeds way beyond what’s legal, this floating case carrier provides all the stability you could wish for. Even fully loaded.

USB phone socket

A compartment keeps your smartphone safe on the road. It keeps it charged too, thanks to its integrated USB socket. Meanwhile, the optional incoming calls and audio function links the phone to the bike via Bluetooth. It’s always nice to let people know you absolutely have to take that enormous detour.

Excell offroad

Offroad ABS

The Offroad ABS mode allows the rider to block the rear wheel as and when required - a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides. The ABS function remains active on the front wheel, unless you turn it off entirely.

Offroad TC

Offroad ride mode

Once this mode is engaged, the ride-by-wire limits the throttle response and peak power, putting you in full control wherever you take your bike. Offroad TC is enabled at the same time. Some serious trail scorching awaits.

Rear brake

Front brake disc diameter

Rear brake disc diameter

ABS

Chain

X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"

Steering head angle

64 °

Wheelbase

1560 ± 15 mm

Ground clearance

220 mm

Seat height

860 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

23 l

dry weight

215 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.